No one wants to hear the word cancer. It is a destructing and fearful word for many. It is even more fearing when the doctor is using the word directly with you. You may immediately be filled with fear and anger. You may wonder what it means for you and what your treatment options are. It is normal to have a lot of questions and to have a mix of emotions. Navigating the brain cancer treatment process, or any other cancer treatment process can be scary. The following tips can be helpful in understanding and evaluating your treatment options.
Request information from your physician
Your physician that is diagnosing you with cancer is your current best resource for additional information. They are the physician that found the cancer and they will be the physician that will initially suggest your brain cancer treatment options. Your physician is there to answer your questions. Do not worry about taking up too much of their time or asking dumb questions. They are more than happy to answer your cancer treatment therapy questions. Also, the more information that you have, the better prepared you are for the next steps in the treatment process.
Always get a second opinion
Although it is unlikely that your physician misdiagnosed you, it is always best to get a second, and even a third medical opinion. The different physicians may use different detection tools and may have altering results. They may also offer different brain cancer treatment options. This will give you a better range of treatment options to choose from. You also may find that you like working with a specific medical physician better from your different visits.
Seek consultation at a cancer treatment center
Cancer treatment centers are specialty centers that focus on brain cancer treatment, along with other types of cancer treatment, like advanced cancer treatment options. Currently, there are a couple of different treatment options available. The specific ones that are recommended to you will depend on the type of cancer, the extent of it, and on any risks associated with that specific treatment.
Although radiation treatment for cancer remains one of the most common treatment options, it is quickly being replaced by proton therapy. Proton treatment is expanding all over the country and at the beginning of 2015, more than 30 particle therapy centers existed, with a total of about 80 treatment rooms under construction worldwide. Your physician will discuss if proton therapy or particle therapy is an option for you and your case.
Do your own research
Medical physicians are thoroughly trained and experienced in cancer. However, they may miss other important aspects of the treatment process. They may not be able to provide you with home remedies for minimizing side effects of heavy medications. They may not be able to provide you with self care tips to keep your emotional state healthy. These are all important parts to the treatment process. Do your own research and understand your needs.
Also, research newer therapies that may not have as much information available yet. According to the US Proton Therapy Outlook 2017 by RNCOS, the United States will be home to almost 27 proton therapy centers by 2017, almost double the current figure, and attain revenue of $1.17 billion. It is a newer treatment option that your medical physicians may not even yet be aware of.
Seek emotional help, if needed
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and then the treatment can be extremely difficult, even for the strongest person. Needing emotional help is not a sign of weakness. It is simply a safe place to discuss feelings associated with the disease with a trusted person, in a confidential setting. Your emotional health is also important to the treatment and care should be placed on it, as well.
When you are diagnosed with cancer, you may feel alone and afraid. Always be sure to seek a second opinion and carefully research all of your treatment options. Proton therapy is a newer therapy that is showing success, but is still relatively unknown. To date, more than 31,000 people have received proton therapy in the U.S. and more than 64,000 have been treated worldwide.